Pneumatic ammunition elevating and loading device.



J. T. COWLEY.

PNEUMATlC AMMUNITION ELEVATING AND LOADING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED AUG.9.1906. N 1,148,077. Patented July 2, 1915.

4 SHEETSSHEET I.

Zfiieaaes:

a. QM

V J. T. COWLEY.

PNEUMATIC AMMUNITION ELEVATING AND LOADING DEVICE.

APPLiCATIO N FILED AUG.9, 1906.

Patented J uly 27, 1915.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

J. T. COWLEY.

PNEUMATIC AMMUNITION ELEVATING AND LOADING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED Aue.9. 19os.

1,148,077. Patented July 27, 1915.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

Zlfifiaasaas:

1. T. COWLEY.

PNEUMATIC AMMUNITION ELEVATING AND LOADING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED AUG.9, 1906.

1,148,077. 4 Patented July 27, 1915.

4 SHEETSSHEET 4.

Jim/010% 2' UNITED STATES PATENT orrrcn JAMES T. COWLEY, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO THE LAMSON COMPANY,

OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

PNEUMATIC AMMUNITION ELEVATING AND LOADING DEVICE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 27, 1915 Application filed August 9, 1906. Serial No. 329,803.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JAMES T. COWLEY, of Boston, in the county of Suffolk and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Pneumatic Ammunition Elevatin and Loading Devices, of which the following is a specification.

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the upper portion of the device located above the gun deck. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the lower portion of the device looking below the gun deck and adjacent to the magazine, being a continuation of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a side view of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a plan view of Fig. 1 showing the mechanism for controlling and directing and driving the charge. Fig. 5 is a detail of the air control to be hereinafter described. Fig. 6 is a section on the line 66 Fig. 3. Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the latch arm shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 8 is a section on line 88 Fig. 4.

Like letters of reference refer to like parts throughout the several views.

Starting from adjacent the magazine (Fig.- 2) is a transmission tube A having the lower section or despatching inlet pivoted at B to the support B located within the easing C, so adapted that either of-the two holders or tubes Z) or Z) comprising the inlet may be brought into alinement with the tube A by moving the lever B fixed to the inlet. The air is supplied through the pipe D and reducing valve D to the two-way cock D into the pipe D which connects at one end with a reservoir where the supply of air is stored and which will always be at constant pressure prior to sending a charge, the other end of the pipe 1) continuing downward connecting with the tube cZ through the union D which tube communicates with the bottom of the holder or tube Z). A similar tube d is connected with the'bottom of the holder 7) and adapted to swing int-o communication with the pipe I) by means of the lever B (Fig. 3). At the lower end of the tube A is a union consisting of a sleeve a threaded to the tube A and adapted to be secured by means of the handle a down upon the upper end of either of the holders or tubes Z) 5, thereby making an air-tight joint. On one side of the sleeve a is a flange a adapted to exert a pressure upon the stud a thereby pressing two sections of the air supply pipe D and (Z tightly together at 13*.

It will be seen that when the sleeve a. is loosened, it will rise upon the thread, and the tubes 7) and b will be free to be thrown over into the opposite position (as shown in dotted lines Fig. 2) by means of the lever B The despatching inlet is located below the level of the floor so that the openings at the upper end of the holders will be at a con venient height for receiving a charge.

When the despatching inlet is in the position shown in full lines Fig. 2 one section or holder Z) is in position to receive a fresh supply of ammunition, while the other sec tion or holder 6 is in aliuement with the tube A and the charge is ready to be elevated to the gun. Bythis means there will be an extra charge of ammunition constantly ready to be elevated.

The section of the main tube A above the gun deck is pivoted at its lower end so that it may be swung to connect with either of the tubes A leading to either gun; this motion is controlled by means of the shaft E which is secured to the tube A at its lower end and at its upper end is fastened tothe lever E which carries the rack E at its outer end which may be moved by means of a pinion E operated by a crank E The shaft E and crank E are pivoted in bearings E E respectively. The top sections of the main tube A3 are hinged at A to the tubes A so that they may be lifted to allow the closing of thebreech of the gun as shown in dotted lines Fig. 1. The sectant, not only for properly delivering the ammunition to the gun, but also from its action as a retarding'device to slow down the ammunition and aid in securing its delivery gently and without shock.

-lVl1en the tube A is in position todeliver into the gun, it is held firmly in this position by means of the lever F carrying the latch F which engages the pin F In the rear of the lever is the stop F so that when the lever is pulled away from the pin F it will. strike the stop F and by continuing the motion of the lever F will lift the section A and leave the gun entirely free of access. There is a counterbalance W connected with the sections A by the cord W, which cord is supported by' pulleys V to facilitate the movement of the sections and hold them in any desired position. Within easy reach of the gunner is a valve G; when the section A has been swung into line with one of the tubes A this valve G will be operated to allow the charge of ammunition to be driven into the gun, but this will be impossible when the section A is not in exact alin'ement with one of the two adjoining 7 sections A for the following reasonzSecared to the valve stem of the valve G is a collar G' having a slot G to allow the will always have the air pressure in it equal to that in the reservoir. When the valve G1 has made a quarter turn it Will allow the air to flow through the pipe 9, through the valve G which will then have communication from the opening 5 as shown in dotted lines Fig. 8 with the pipe 9 which leads through the deck to the npper' end of the cvlindcr lsl. This will depress the piston H I g. 5) and through the piston rod H will more the le er H'" ainst the spring 11* and disengage the hand e of thelever 71 from the notch H After lifted as described, the lever l) may turned in position to allow the air to directly through the valve l)", and g the connections herciuber' red c 'ibeCL-into the holder 1'1 niidernmiili the charge oi ammunitioi'. "cl 4 i I. e-ition' shown in dotted lines 2; .iluneoy forcing it up ti'irough the tu i-H l .r A? A? and into the l of i'l'iegun.

l re-ecu V The section of the valve 5)? is shown in l b in'its normal p i 'on, that is when the le""-.,- ll is on red. with the lever if," when in this post on the air will pass through the pipe i through the passage D olithe' valve 1 and will'b'e charging the voir. but when the valve lever 1)" disgod from the le er if and has made a "ISS have unobstructed passage to the atmosphere through the pipe gand through the valve G as shown, and this'will allow the lever H" will be in position to engage the the lever H has een quarter turn, the supply of air inthe reservoir will pass down through the lower portion of the tube D and supply the power neces sary to elevate the charge. After the charge is driven into position in the breech of the gun, the valve G will be returned to its normal position, thus making the air connec- 7 tion as shown in Fig. 8. In this position, the compressed air above the piston H will V piston to be returned to its uppermost position by means of thespring 11 whereby the lever I) as soon as said lever has returned to its upright or normal position.

By means of the valves hereinbefore described it will be seen that the man in charge of the magazine will be unable to send any ammunition until the gunner is ready to receive it. \Vhen the gunner is ready he will turn the valve lwhich'will release the lever I) as described and as soon as the man in the magazine is ready he may send up the ammunition. Moreover, the gunner cannot turn the valve G to release the lever 71, until the transmission tube A, A is in proper position relatively to onefof the sections A so that the ammunition cannot be sent up until the section A is in proper position to receive it. The sections Q A"; with theirpivoted sections A3, form receivers to either of which the ammunition may be delivered tromthe transmission tube A, A, and from which receivers the arm-- munition is delivered to the gun. \Vhile the conveying apparatus, as shown, delivers directly into the gun, so as to form also a loading device and one object of the j invention lS'tO provide such an ammunition conveying and loading apparatus, it will be understood that the ammunition conveying apparatus may not deliver the ammunition directly into the gun, but only to the turret. in convenient position for loading by handor other means and that the claims not limit: ed to delivering the ammunition into the gun cover such use of the convcyingapparains. V v V r r r 7 Having thus iiLSi'l'lllQll'lLllk nature of my invention and set i'orth a const'riu-tion embodying the same. what I claim as new and Lett rs latcnt ol' the i '120 tube to be driveii throughithe tube by said l'25 air supply, and means for directing and pneumaticall v driving said ammunition t'ronr'said tube into said gun. a The combination with a gun, of a. transmission tube, a source of air supply 130 connected with said tube, means for inserting ammunition into said tube to be driven through the tube by said air supply, means for moving the discharge end of said trans mission tube into said gun, and means for admitting said air supply to said tube whereby said ammunition is directed and ting said air supply to said tube whereby said ammunition is directed and driven into said gun.

4. In a conveyer for ammunition, a gun, a transmission tube, a source of air supply connected with said transmission tube, means for inserting ammunition into said tube to be driven through the tube by said air supply, mechanism located nearsa'id gun for controlling the admission of the air supply to said tube. and means for direct ing and pneumatically driving said ammu nition from said tube into said gun.

In a conveyer for ammunition, a gun, a transmission tube, a source of air supply connected with said tube, means for inserting ammunition intosaid tube to be driven through the tube by said air supply, and means for moving the discharge end of said tube into and out of communication with said gun, means-for preventing the admission of said air supply to said transmission tube when said tube is out of communication with said gun, and permitting the admission of said air supply to said transmission tube when said tube is in communication with said gun whereby said ammunition may be directed and discharged into the gun.

(3. In a conveyer for ammunition, a gun, a transmission tube, a source of air supply connected with said tube, means for inserting ammunition into said tube to be driven through the tube by said air supply, means for moving the discharge end of said transmission tube into said gun, means for locking said tube in position therein, and means for admitting said air supply to said tube whereby said ammunition is directed and driven into said gun.

T. In a conveyer for ammunition, a gun. means for pneumatically conveying by direct pressure ammunition to the gun and for driving by direct pressure the ammunition into the gun. and a, valve controlling the pneumatic conveying and driving operations.

In a conveyer for ammunition, the. combination with a gun. of means tor driving ammunition at a single flight from a point outside the gun chamber to and into the gun by direct pneumatic pressure.

9. In a conveyor for ammunition, the combination with a gun, of means for driving ammunition at a single flight from a point outside the gun chamber to and into the gun by direct fluid pressure.

10. In a conveyer for ammunition, the combination of a transmission tube adapted to extend from a point outside the gun chamber to the gun and having its discharge end adapted to be placed in position to discharge ammunition into the breech of the gun, means for permitting ammunition to be placed in the receiving end of the transmission tube, and means for admitting fluid under pressure to the transmission tube be hind ammunition which has been placed therein to cause the ammunition to be driven at a single flight to and into the gun by direct fluid pressure.

11. In a conveyer for ammunition, the combination of a transmission tube adapted to extend from a point outside the gun chamber to the gun and having its discharge end adapted to be placed in position to discharge ammunition into the breech of the gun, means for permitting ammunition to be placed in the receiving end of the transmission tube, and means for admitting gas under pressure to the transmission tube behind ammunition which has been placed therein to cause the ammunition to be driven at a single flight to and into the gun by direct pneumatic pressure.

12. In a conveyer for ammunition, the combination of a transmission tube adapted to extend from a point outside the gun chamber to the gun and having its discharge end adapted to be placed in position to discharge ammunition into the breach of the gun, means for permitting ammunition to be placed in the receiving end of the transmission tube, means for admitting fluid under pressure to the transmission tube behind ammunition which has been placed therein to cause the ammunition to be driven at a single flight to and into the gun by direct fluid pressure, and means in the gun chamber for controlling said fluid admission means.

13. In a conveyer for ammunition, the combination of a transmission tube adapted to extend from a point outside the gun chamber to the gun and having its discharge end adapted to be placed in position to discharge ammunition into the breech of the gun. means for permitting ammunition to be placed in the receiving end of the transmission tube, means for admitting fluid under pressure to the transmission tube behind ammunition which has been placed therein to cause the ammunition to be driven at a single flight to and into the gun by direct fluid pressure. and art sans in the gun 13g chamber for controlling through the medium of pneumatic pressure the operation of said fluid admission means.

14. In a pneumatic ammunition conveyer, a transmission tube, a source of air supply connected therewith, means for inserting ammunition into said tube to be driven through the tube by said air supply, means a for controlling the admission of said air supply to said tube, and means pneumatically controlled from the receiving station for locking and releasing said air admission controlling means to prevent or permit the admission of said air supply to said tube.

15. Ina pneumatic ammunition conveyer, a transmission tube, a source of air supply, and a despatching inlet comprising a pluralityof holders, being closed at one end and provided with an air inlet and each of said holders being adapted when in despatching position to form a closed connection between said source of air supply and said transmission tube whereby ammunition contained in said holder may be despatched through said tube, the holderlor holders not in despatching position being out of connection with said air supply andsaid transmission tube.

16. In a conveyer for ammunition, a despatching station, a receiving station, a transmission tube extending between said stations, a source of pressure fluid supply for driving ammunition through the transmission tube from the despatching station to the receiving station, a valve at the receiving station, and connections by which.

said valve controls the admission of the pressure fluid to the transmission tube for the despatch and transmission of ammunition from the despatching station to the receiving station.

17. In a conveyer for ammunition, a de spatching station, a receiving station, a transmission tube extending between said stations, means for supplying gas under pressure to the transmission tube for driving ammunition by direct pneumatic pressure from the despatching station to the receiving station and for discharging the ammunition from the tube at the receiving station, a valve at the receiving station, and

receiving station and must be properly positioned to permit transmission, the 'said' devices at the receiving station being normally positioned to prevent despatch of ammunition from the despatching station.

19. In a pneumatic ammunition conveyer, a despatching station, a receiving station, a transmission tube extending between said stations, a source of fluid supply-for driving ammunition through the transmission tube from the despatching station to the receiving station, and controlling devices at both stations including means independent of the transit of ammunition for preventing the operation of the controlling devices at the despatching station for transmission until the controlling devices at the receiving station are operated. i

20. In a pneumatic ammunition conveyer, a despatching station, a receiving station, a transmission tube extending between said stations, a source of fluid supply for driving ammunition through the transmission tube from the despatching station to the re:

ceiving station, a receiver at the receiving station, fluid controlling devices at the despatching station, a manually operated valve at the receiving station for controlling said fluid controlling devices by pneumatic pressure, and means controlled by parts of the conveyer at the receiving station for holding the valve against movementfor transmission except when said parts are in proper position for the reception of ammunition. 1

21. In a pneumatic ammunition conveyer, a despatching station, a receiving station, a transmission tube extending between said stations, a source of fluid supply for drivingammunition through the transmission tube from the despatching station to the receiving station, a plurality of receivers at the receiving station to either of which the transmission tube may be connected for delivery, and means for preventing transmission except when a receiver is connected to the transmission tube.

22. In a pneumatic ammunition conveyer, a despatching station, a receiving station, a transmission tube extending between said stations, a source of pressure fluid supply for driving ammunition through the trans mission tube from the despatching station to the receiving station, and means under.

the control of the operator at the receiving station for pneumatically controlling the despatch of ammunition to said receiving station.

23. In a pneumatic ammunition conveyer, a despatching station, a receiving station, a transmission tube extending between'said stations, a source of pressure fluid supply for driving ammunition through the transmission tube from the despatching station to the receiving station, and a valve at the receiving station under the control of the operator at the receivin station and controllingthe admission 0 the pressure fluid from the despatching station to the receiving station, fluid controlling devices at the despatching station, an air pipe extending from the receiving station to the despatching station, and a valve at the receiving station controlling the operation of said fluid controlling devices at the despatching station through. said pipe to prevent or permit the despatch of ammunition.

25. In a pneumatic ammunition conveyer, a despatching station, a receiving station, a transmission tube extending between said stations, a source of fluid supply for driving ammunition through the transmission tube from the despatching station to the receiving station, a receiver at the receiving station, an air pipe extending from the receiving station to the despatching station, and means controlled by parts of the conveyer under the control of the-operator at the receivin station for pneumatically controlling t e despatching station through said pipe to prevent the transmission of ammunition except when said parts are in proper position.

26. In a pneumatic ammunition conveyer, a despatching station, a receiving station, a transmission tube extending between said stations, a source of fluid supply for driving ammunition through the transmission tube from the despatching station to the receiving station, and means at the receiving station under the control of the operator at said receiving station operating pneumatically to prevent the despatch of ammunition to said receiving station until said means are in proper position.

27. In a pneumatic ammunition conveyer, a despatching station. a receiving station, a transmission tube extending between said stations, a source of fluid supply for driving ammunition through the transmission tube from the despatching station to the receiving station. an air pipe extending from the receiving station to the despatching station, and means at the receiving station under the control of the operator at said receiving station for controlling the pressure through said air pipe to control the despateh of ammunition to said receiving station.

In. a pneumatic ammunition conveyer, a despatrhing station. a receiving station. a transmission lube extending between said stations. :1 source of lluid supply for driving ammunition through the transmission tube from the despatching station to the receiving station, an air pipe extending from the receiving station to the despatching station and means under the control of the operator at the receiving station for transmitting fluid pressurethrough'said air pipe from the receiving station to the despatching station to control the despatch of ammunition to said receiving station.

29. In a pneumatic ammunition conveyer, a despatching station, a receiving station, a transmission tube extending between said stations, a source of fluidsupply for driving ammunition through the transmission tube from the despatching' station to the receiving station, an air pipe extending from the fluid supply to the receiving station and from the receiving station to the despatching' station, and a valve under the control of the operator at the receiving station for transmitting fluid pressure through said air pipe from the receiving station to the despatching station to control the despatch of ammunition.

30. On a pneumatic ammunition conveyer, a despatching station, a receiving station, a transmission tube extending between said stations, a sou'rce of fluid supply for driving ammunition through the transmission tube from the despatching station to the receiving station, means for opening the conveyer system at the receiving station, and means controlled by the opening and closing of the conveyer system for preventing the despatch of ammunition to said receiving station after the conveyer system is opened and until the conveyer system is again closed.

31. In a pneumatic ammunition conveyer, a transmission tube, a source of air supply, a despatching station, a plurality of ammunition holders at the despatching station movable into and out of despatching position and closed at one end, an air inlet on each holder for admitting air at the closed end of the holder behind the ammunition therein, and means for connecting and disconnecting the air inlets to and from the air supply when the holders are in and out of despatching position.

32. In a pneumatic ammunition conveyer, atransmission tube, a source of air supply, a despatching station, a plurality of ammunition holders at the despatching station movable into and out of despatching position, an air tube on each holder for admitting air behind the ammunition, and a coupling for connecting and disconnecting said tubes to and from the air supply when the holders are in and out sition.

3;). In a pneumatic ammunition conveyer, a transmission tube. a source of air supply, a (lcspatehing station. a plurality of an11nunition holders at the despatching station open at one end and closed at the other end of despatching po- -movableiiito and out of despatching position, a-n air inlet on each holder for admitv ting air at the closed end of the holder betion when the holder is connected with the transmission tube.

35.'In a pneumatic ammunitionconveyer, a gun, atransmission tube, a receiver at the gun breech, a source offluid. supply for driving ammunition at a single flight from a point outside the gun chamberinto the gun through the transmission tube, and receiver, and means for-swinging the receiver; 7

away from the gun breech. v

36. In a pneumatic ammunition convey'er, a plurality of guns, a single transmission tube, a receiver for each gun at its breech, v

and an air supply for driving ammunition through the transmission tube and one of the receivers to agun, the transmission tube being provided with a movable section for connection of the transm ssion tube wlth either of the receivers and means tor-securing the movable section to one of the receivers during transit, whereby the ammunition is driven directly through the tube and into the receiver.

37. In a pneumatic ammunition conveyer, a plurality of guns, :1 single transmission tube extending from outside the gun chamber, a source of fluid supply for driving mm munition through the transmission tube, and

movable connections between-the transmis-.

sion tube and guns, whereby the ammunition may be driven bytheair supply directly into either gun. y

In testimonywhereof, I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses, this fourth day of August D. 1906.

Witnesses:

DnLIA ,S. PETERSON, HOWARD C. TURNER.

JAMES T. COWLEY; 

